Tihar, Deepawali, or Yamapanchak are common names for one of the most colorful and enchanting festivals in Nepal. This festival is the festival of light, spanning for 5 days, which holds a special place in the hearts of Nepalese people as it honors various animals and strengthens the bonds of love. For the last ten years, young people in Biratnagar have used the Tihar festival as an opportunity to foster a love for learning in their community. Deushi-Bhailo, an ancient tradition during Tihar, involves groups performing festive songs and blessing each home they visit. Every homeowner expresses their appreciation by offering small gifts and money. This becomes the opportunity for Bikalpa fellows to turn this custom into something impactful. During Tihar, every year, they visit door to door for collecting books and raising funds in order to support the Bikalpa’s libraries and make the learning resources more accessible to a wider audience in Biratnagar.
On October 30, 2024, on the day of Kag (crow) Tihar, Bikalpa fellows gather together to conduct the Deusi-Bhailo program with the aim of collecting books to expand the Bikalpa’s library. The program started in the morning sharp 10:00 a.m. and wrapped at night 9:30 a.m. The event gathered youth from a variety of backgrounds, creating a vibrant, inclusive space for shared purpose and learning. The program also upheld its tradition of being a networking hub, allowing participants to forge connections both within the Bikalpa Fellowship and beyond. This time, they successfully collected NPR 58,505 and over a dozen books from nine households. The collected books are planned to be placed in the local Bikalpa Library, where young people will have access to study materials. This campaign leadership was coordinated by Ranu Sah and Sarwagya Raj Pandey, along with 35 young individuals actively participating, each playing a vital role in the success of the program. This initiative not only educates and develops a reading culture, but at the same time it also strengthens access to knowledge in Biratnagar.
In a community where study resources can be scarce, Bikalpa fellows are unlocking access to knowledge. The number of books that are collected and donations they secure contribute to a more educated Biratnagar. This festival was the beacon to extend their efforts to inspire others. Both money and books were used to expand the Bikalpa library, which provides educational resources to students and professionals who are eager to learn. Every household that contributes—whether with a book, a donation, or words of encouragement—becomes part of a broader movement that deeply values learning and growth.
This annual fundraising event has allowed us to gather more than 3000 books and related materials for the public library over the past ten years. The library has become an invaluable resource for students and book enthusiasts alike, with over 100 dedicated subscribers. Bikalpa’s library offers more than just books; it serves as a vibrant community space where readers can connect, share ideas, and form meaningful networks. Most of the time, free education resources are hard to find, and Bikalpa fellows are opening doors to knowledge for others.
In conclusion, in a world that is constantly evolving, Bikalpa fellows demonstrate that traditions can be transformed to fit the needs of modern society. They remind us all that even the smallest acts of kindness and community service can create waves of impact. As Biratnagar’s youth continue to infuse their Deushi-Bhailo celebrations with a passion for learning and a commitment to bettering their community, they offer a powerful example for others to follow.
